Gusty winds, low humidity pose wildfire concern for Carson City, Tahoe and northern Nevada region

Drier and much warmer air will work its way into Northern Nevada and the Carson City area Wednesday, bringing gusty winds and low humidity with it, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag Warning for much of the region.

The Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday and covers the following areas including the Sierra Front, Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern and Northern Washoe, Western Lyon, the west Humboldt basin and Pershing County, in Nevada as well as Surprise Valley, western and eastern Lassen, Eastern Plumas, the eastern Sierra, Eastern Nevada counties in California.

According to the weather service, winds will be out of the west 15-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. The strongest winds will most likely been in northern Washoe, western Pershing and eastern Lassen counties. Afternoon humidity will range from 7 to 15 percent.

There's also a Lake Wind Advisory from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday for Pyramid, Lahontan and Rye Patch. The advisory warns that winds could create issues for small boats, kayaks and paddle boards prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

The weather service advises the combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them. Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires.

Follow local fire restrictions. Check weather.gov/reno for updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.

Meanwhile, fire officials in North Tahoe and Meeks Bay noted Tuesday that the National Weather Service determined that fuel moistures and atmospheric conditions warrant a Red Flag Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin on Wednesday. The warning calls for gusty winds and low humidity, with a very dry air mass moving through the region creating heightened fire concerns. They issued the following release:

The Fire Chief of the North Tahoe Fire Protection District, in accordance with the California Fire Code with amendments adopted by the Boards of Directors of the North Tahoe Fire, Meeks Bay Fire and Alpine Springs CWD, has issued a Declaration prohibiting all sources of outdoor open flame within these Districts during the time period the Red Flag Warning is in effect (CF Code 307.1.1).

North Tahoe Fire Protection District and Meeks Bay Fire Protection District issue a Declaration to suspend all sources of outdoor open flame, including gas and LPG fire pits/grills and pellet grills/smokers. Recreational fires (CFC 202) (Campfires) are never permitted during fire season.

The suspension, enforced by the NTFPD Fire Chief, takes effect noon to 9:00p.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2020. All sources of outdoor open flame are prohibited during these periods, including all outdoor propane (LPG) and Natural Gas fired appliances. The actual hours of Red Flag Warnings may vary by the specific atmospheric conditions; check the NOAA website or follow them on social media for the latest Red Flag timing.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno issues Red Flag Warnings to alert Tahoe Basin land management agencies about the onset, or possible onset of critical weather and fuel moisture conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. This could be due to low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels or any combination thereof. A Red Flag Warning is issued when the above conditions are expected to be met within the next 24 hours.

Now is the time to ensure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel, your devices are charged, your emergency go kit is current and within reach, and that your family is prepared and ready to evacuate. Visit our website for information on Emergency and Evacuation Preparedness. For additional information on how to make your home more resilient to wildfire, visit www.tahoelivingwithfire.com.

For Carson City area weather updates, check out CarsonWeather.com.